Tastes

[$62]

Well, starting the Memorial Day weekend and a well anticipated pour of this whisky that I have had for some time. It will open this long weekend (and very much thankful for those who have defended and protected our freedoms.) The nose starts off as distinct aromas, almost as if you can pick each out out of an imaginary box. Those aromas consist of honey, candle wax, nutmeg, cantaloupe, Frosted Flakes, toasted marshmallows. As it opens, the aromas begin to synergistically meld and the collective produces a savory sweetness. More fruity sweetness comes forward. Pears, bananas, and pineapples with a touch of vanilla, candy corns sugar and a dash of cinnamon. Quite enticing. The palate becomes soft and velvety within a waxy body. A primary sugary sweetness is encapsulated containing caramel, brown sugar and vanilla. There is a definite spiciness but not intense: White pepper and ground cinnamon. Orange marmalade flashes briefly in the mid-palate and an oakiness begins the transition to the finish. The palate is left with some oaky char, cinnamon with a small amount of orange zest with a woody dryness. This is all rather brief. This is a quality scotch with a fabulous opening. The breadth and gelling of aromas is quite pleasant setting high expectations. If the palate could match the strength of the nose, and the length of the finish was longer, this would be a powerhouse. But unfortunately it’s not as broad and leaves you wanting more from the flavors. This however is still a flavorful whisky. A staple for any collection. [$45][88/100][Tasted: 5/25/18]

[$39]

[$57]

[$72]

[$29]

An initial opening of bourbon notes (am I nosing a Scotch?) of vanilla, corn and rye, however all faint. The longer it opens the stronger and more pronounced the vanilla notes become. A soft palate delivers a peppery body and a touch of sweetness of brown sugar or caramel. The rye notes are discernible, but not too overt and very pleasant. The sweetness subsides and finishes warm and spicy with a touch of oak. The rye is revealed in the finish exposing a bit of spearmint. A nice easy dram and adds a unique twist to the scotch. I have always been partial to Johnnie Walker as it is my starter and gateway scotch brand leading me into single malts. I have not been interested in their other whisky's in their line as I think the ppv does not warrant purchase. However, they have done right with this whisky: 46% abv, an age statement, price and quality make this a good for a collection. [$44][88/100][Opened: 4/3/16; 4/20/16]

My foray into Japanese whiskey and having a trial run before Easter Sunday family dinner. The nose is similar to a Dalwhinnie: floral, honey and trace amounts smoke and oak. Let this breath and the florals start to dominate. Patience Grasshopper. Once you intake those aromas, the waiting palate receives honey notes in the primary wave on the palate along a touch of spice; all well balanced. The body is light but not overly thin. The body does not support itself long and quickly fades. The finish is dry and oaky and slightly hot, revealing the youngness of the whiskey, but deliciously long. A touch of water tames the youngness and draws the sweeter side of the dram forward. The whiskey definitely parallels Speysiders. It does get better with patience. Enjoyable, fun and easy. Perfect for a warm Summer's day or after a large meal to cap the night. Definitely looking forward to comparing to it's 12 year older brother. [$54][86/100][Opened: 3/26/16]

A standard Irish Whiskey nose, on par with Jameson: cereal, straw, vanilla and honey. Soft, silky texture that leads with honey sweetness that lingers for some time, but then fades like a quick dream, and turns spicy and hot. And as quickly as that spiciness arrives, just as a summer breeze, fades and your left with a palate of orange zest and oak tannins. All-in-all, this is a Jameson's twin brother with a bit more body. [84/100] [Tasted: 3/12/16 @ Bluestone Tavern]

With St. Patricks Day just around the corner, Irish is on the palate. My bottle, tucked in the back of the cabinet, made it to the outside. After a fair amount of time, the nose of tropical fruits: coconut, pineapple are strong. Cereal and honey notes float in the background. The blend of aromas are tough to discern and create a funky mix. Light body delivers a wave of the sweet tropical fruits and rapidly give way to grains, oak and pepper spice. The body is short-lived, however the finish is long leaves the mouth dry and spicy with trace amounts of pineapple. Time enhances the sweetness drawing and a bit of patience makes this a better dram. Somewhat atypical of Irish whiskies I have experienced. Easy to sip and even-keeled. Not over the top in sweetness or spice. That, however, can leave the experience safe and unadventurous. For an Irish whiskey, it's enjoyable and easy and slightly unique. [85/100][Opened: 2/21/16]